Investigation and characterization for polymer matrix composite reinforced with iron filings

This paper examines the density, tensile, and impact tests of polymer matrix composite prepared by the hand lay-up method, using the matrix material unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and waste iron filings as reinforcement material in different weight percent (0, 10, 30, 40 and 50%) wt. All samples were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for their fractured surface. It was found that the addition of iron filings increase the density by 79%. The optimum impact strength observed at 30% wt. and increased by 43%, while the increase in tensile strength was 8% at 10% wt. of iron filings.